Author Topic: Spinning Rod: Assassin Amia Fuji's KR-Concept Conversion (Read 49958 times)

Charles · « **Reply #20 on:** July 10, 2014, 04:51:37 PM »

Quote from: REEFMAN on July 10, 2014, 03:34:07 PM

I'm going to get my Exceler done by Brandon... watch this space. He just needs to pick it up from me at the GP Social...

Nice! Looking forward to the report once completed!

Lucky Hook · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2014, 07:57:13 PM »

Following this topic with great interest.

What effect does the type of reel that will be used have on the "aparent" line slap when the braid is pulled off the reel.

The reason for my question relates to different reels having different foot angles that result in the spool either being angled towards the rod or alternatively running parrallel to the rod.

I beleive the new stella foot results in the spool being parralel to the rod and this apparently results in increased casting distance.

If the above is correct rods (guide spacing) should be designed to accommodate specific reels.

Does anyond have any experiece or insights in this regard?

fishatic · « **Reply #22 on:** July 12, 2014, 09:39:46 PM »

It does make a difference; ideally you want to build a rod around either a specific reel.
However it is not so critical that if for example you built it yourself or commissioned a rod around say a Sustain 5000 FG and in a years time you upgraded to a Stella 5000 SW that the rod would be "no good" with the reel.
I have built a couple of spinning sticks that were tested (by other anglers) with reels ranging in size from a Symetre 4000 up to a Saragossa 8000 and a 10000 Baitrunner
The rods performed very well with all reels.
We did a number of tests using 20lb braid with 55lb braid leaders; 35lb Nanofil with 50lb braid leaders; 0.22 mono with 0.55 mono leaders and 0.28mm mono with 0.55 mono leaders (all leaders were full length i.e at least 4 wraps around the spool with the sinker/lure at casting drop length. No issues with knots; over-choking or line slap were encountered.
Braid is easier to manage / massage down to the blank than mono so if it handles mono it will handle braid.

Of more importance than the axle angle is the diameter of the spool and the height/distance from the blank to the axle-tip and since most 5000 sized reels are approximately the same size.... a layout should work ok with them all. It is nice to design a layout that is perfect for a specific reel though.

The SW Stellas are pretty unique in having no axle angle/inclination, Shimano have come in for some criticism on the bigger Stellas used for jigging an popping where braid jumps off the line roller when the whole set up is under load; but I think this is unusual and not really applicable in this case

For the rods being discussed here i.e Shore Game / Land Based Game we are unlikely to spin for Queen Mackerel or Garrick with a Stella 20000SW and it seems to me, to revolve around the use of reels around the 5000 size, so I would only expect a problem if you used a Bullseye XT or Ultegra 14000 XSB on a rod set up for the "generic" Stradic 5000 or Sustain 5000. (or similar sized Daiwa/Penn etc)

For bigger and stronger rods (say 12' and longer capable of throwing 4 ounces and more) I would not suggest a KR Concept build (although it will work) I am convinced a Lowrider or KW layout would be a better option (Low Rider being my first choice as this system is brilliant at managing the coils of line from a BIG grinder down to almost zero after the 1st guide)

fishatic · « **Reply #23 on:** July 12, 2014, 10:07:04 PM »

Image is of a taped up 9' stick

carll · « **Reply #24 on:** July 25, 2014, 09:00:16 AM »

Good morning

Just a short feedback on the performance on my Amia rebuilt. A friend and I visited my brother in-law last weekend and we went

for casting with my new rebuilds. He took his Golf Range Finder with and I casts a new PB on my Amia, 133m with a 1.5oz SW

Spoon. The reel that i paired my Amia is a Sustain 5000 and 20lbs Suffix 832 braid. The bottle markers that you can see in

the pic on the river are at 126 meters. The best cast I got with the 30g Rapala MaxRap was 76 meters. Fantastic lure but eisch

that thing tumbles ..

Haroldg · « **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2014, 05:05:20 PM »

Hi Reefman, Fishatic,Carll

I'm also watching this thread with great interest. The thought that crosses my mind is why take an existing rod (and it seems that some of these are quite new) and rebuild using the KR concept. Would it not be more practical to source the appropriate blank and build from scratch? I'd be keen to join in a group to do a bulk deal. Your thoughts?

fishatic · « **Reply #26 on:** July 25, 2014, 05:20:55 PM »

You have a good point - it's cheaper and easier for a builder and owner to start from scratch.

However, how many of us have rods sitting unused because of dissatisfaction or damage?
These are candidates for high-performance re-builds.

There is a particular blank I like, that can only be obtained by purchasing a rod, however at the price it's well worth the effort....

Other rod-sourced blanks are less lets say "attractive" unless you bought the rod a while back, have used it and it needs a re-furnish...

Haroldg · « **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2014, 05:37:21 PM »

Fishatic - I have a 10' Shimano Aerocast that's literally brand new (someday I'll figure out that fishing is more important!!). The spinning weights I like to use range from 1oz-2.5oz. Would I be better off rebuilding what is really a nice outfit or going the route you mention. I'm not sure if you are at liberty to mention the rod/blank you refer to and some pricing details?

REEFMAN · « **Reply #28 on:** July 25, 2014, 06:06:10 PM »

Watch this space... 1x 10ft Exceler with blinged guides to be ready and tested at the social...

fishatic · « **Reply #29 on:** July 25, 2014, 06:15:15 PM »

Refurbished grips too....
Sorry, could not help myself....

fishingum · « **Reply #30 on:** July 26, 2014, 04:05:58 AM »

Hey Fishatec. How much for the complete rod if u supply?

Haroldg · « **Reply #31 on:** July 26, 2014, 09:02:23 AM »

Reefs - did you choose the 10' Exceller specifically for the blank or was it one that you didn't have much use for? I'm keen to know what properties of the 10' Exceller appealed to you?

Will watch this space and wait for report-back then...

REEFMAN · « **Reply #32 on:** July 26, 2014, 11:27:18 AM »

Exceler is generally a very good rod, rated 1-3oz. Mine is an old rod, I've got the first one that came out before the Saltwater and Elite.
I'm interested to see if the new guides setup allows one to actually cast a lighter weight. In my experience, the Exceler cannot cast 1 oz with any degree of decent loading and distance.

fishatic · « **Reply #33 on:** July 26, 2014, 11:51:07 AM »

This one is a very special 1-4 ounce rod.....

fishatic · « **Reply #34 on:** July 26, 2014, 12:39:19 PM »

Built on the same blank as the St Croix Legend Surf:

"Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) tooling technology[size=78%].[/size][/i]
Advanced Reinforcing Technology™ (ART™).
High modulus-high-strain SCIV graphite with FRS for unparalleled strength and durability[/size][size=78%].[/size]
Off-set, slim-profile ferrules on two-piece
models provide one-piece performance.
Designed for extreme surf fishing performance."

fishingum · « **Reply #35 on:** July 26, 2014, 07:06:49 PM »

Quote from: fishatic on July 26, 2014, 11:51:07 AM

This one is a very special 1-4 ounce rod.....

Should definitely come with its own rod tube...hehe

Lucky Hook · « **Reply #36 on:** July 26, 2014, 07:12:47 PM »

How does that St Croix rod cast and do you have any St Croix blanks. If yes what ratings and how much would you charge for a complete rod?

I considered importing a Legend Surf but eventualy settled on a Lesath as the local St Croix agents did not really commit to obtaining the rod for me and did not comment on enquiry regarding warranty etc.

The rod I wanted cost 450usd and has a great waranty in the USA. Overseas fishing sites really rate the Legend surf and in fact all their rods look good.

I note per st Croix website the Legend Surf:

Fuji® LC surf guides with Alconite ring for greater casting distance and accuracy. Sloped frame reduces line tangling.

fishatic · « **Reply #37 on:** July 26, 2014, 08:15:10 PM »

The St Croix is a Legend... Sorry for very bad pun.
It is unbelievably light.
The 10' 1-4oz weighs 225g, COMPLETE rod.

Think carefully about that weight vs ability.

We are so used to heavy rods in SA that holding a rod like this, we do not quite believe.
I don't have another blank but will do some scratching around. I was VERY tempted to keep the one I posted but sold it this afternoon....

StCtoix have a fantastic new range of surf blanks that use SCIII graphite , slightly softer tips that should be good for lure throwing. Will check out availability and get back to you!!

Re the LC guides, whilst I love the low rider concept, the StCroix factory rods are not set up perfectly. The rod I posted pics of was set up with a KR Concept layout, St.Croix do not offer this option.
KR is more tolerant of guides closer to the ree especially with high reel positions, this benefits power, both for casting and pulling.

Thank you for the interest!!

Will get back to you.

Brandon

carll · « **Reply #38 on:** July 27, 2014, 10:43:17 AM »

I also felt like a lot of you in the beginning, why have a rod rebuilt if its already a good rod. The Assassin Amia is a fantastic rod!

Barry Wareham won't put his name on a product if it does not meet his high standards. But today I must say I see fishing rods in a different light since my Amia and his lighter brother has been rebuilt using the KR Concept..

Fishing rods are just like let's say for instance a 4x4 bakkie, you put better tyres on, add a canopy and the list goes on. The same could be said for boats,better props get added, better GPS etc. all this is done in order to increase the boats performance to meet the standards you want...

All rods bought off the shelf are not performing to its full potential. Fuji spent 3 years researching on how a rod can be changed so that it can perform at its maximum.

As artificial anglers what are we looking for? We want sensitivity , greater accuracy, greater casting distance, greater rod power, greater rod balance and definitely anti tangling for braid.

Thanks to Fuji all of the above mentioned are possible. Turning our spinning rods into MONSTER spinning rods. After Brandon rebuilt my 2 Assassin rods, I can honestly say they are totally different rods !

I have done a lot of research after Brandon posted about the KR Concept the first time. I feel that South Africa is very far behind compared to the Aussies and America.

Steenie · « **Reply #39 on:** July 27, 2014, 08:13:49 PM »

I am afraid the currency exchange rate makes it impossible to go for zero defect for the average angler. So the next best option is to go for "fit for purpose". I think on average this will do for most anglers with the kit you can buy over the shelve from good tackle shops, except perhaps the pro's like some of you guys posting on this thread.